With the goal of improving treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, our lab uses state-of-the-art approaches including genome-wide association studies, whole genome sequencing, exome sequencing and targeted sequencing to generate and analyze genetic and bioinformatics data. We are currently studying individuals with myocardial infarction, congenital heart defects like bicuspid aortic valve disease(BAV), aortic aneurysm, and atrial fibrillation.

Elevated levels of blood lipids are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.By worldwide collobaration, the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium(GLGC),where we play a leading role, has identified ~160 novel loci for lipid levels, including several loci in which the functional gene and/or variants have already been identified and represent novel drug targets.The latest GLGC GWAS results are available here.

The goal of the Cardiovascular Health Improvement Project (CHIP) is to learn more about individuals with aortic diseases and other cardiovascular-related conditions through collecting and analyzing blood and clinical data from patients. By doing this, we can learn more about the genetics behind Cardiovascular Disease(CVD), help clinicians provide the best care for their patients, and lower the incidence of CVD. More information about CHIP can be found here.